Saturday, July 31, 2010

Sometimes I wonder what it would by like to have my very own baby girl...To go through the process of picking out pink booties and tights with lacey behinds, finding every little dress that is frilly and pretty. I was destined, however, to live with the wonders of frogs, worms, snails, dirt, mud, etc. and am so very grateful to be blessed with two rambunctious, absolutely cute, fun and lovable boys. I'm happy and I'm content.

For this card, I knew I wanted to showcase the medallions other than in a birthday or anniversary form and I wanted to use the colors from the latest Color Cue Challenge. A baby girl card seemed to fit the bill as I was going through the creative process of pulling the colors out and some embellishments. I created the background paper by penciling in a light grid and repeatedly stamping a medallion. I thought Kraft paper would be a bit to heavy for this application. My solution was to bring that color in through the distressed inked edges and as an image base for my sentiment.

Thursday, July 29, 2010

There aren't many birds that weather out the Cold Wisconsin Winters. Perhaps their petite little bodies just don't have enough insulation to handle the negative wind chills and piles of snow. Sometimes it does get lonely out there, when all you see is vast areas of white. My heart fills with hope of spring when I happen to notice that first little brave birdie perching upon the bare branches on the tree out my living room window.

I created this window card by first changing the digital bird file to a monotone color, printing him on colored cardstock and then highlighting him with white colored pencils, a white gel pen and then some distress ink. The bird was purposefully printed on the inside of the card so I could create a window, complete with an acetate panel for the TiffanyDoodles Challenge. I used the colors from Color Throwdown, which reminded me a bit of Christmas. I think my grandma will enjoy this as one of her cards this year...Christmas In July, perfect for the new challenge over at Anjillic Creations! Also, the current Wee Memories Challenge is a Stamp Anything, I really love the look of watermark ink and do not do it often enough. Thank you for everyone who puts on a challenge because it really gives me inspiration and makes me think!

Wednesday, July 28, 2010

The tune of Rhinestone Cowboy by Glen Campbell rang in my head during the entire time in the making of this card. Not familiar with the lyrics?-here's a portion (you may or may not thank me later as you hum this throughout the day): Like a rhinestone cowboy / Riding out on a horse in a star-spangled rodeo / Like a rhinestone cowboy / Getting cards and letters from people I don't even know...

Super simple creation, another card that can be sent through the good ol' postal service without much fuss.

This week's CAS-Tastic Challenge is to "Bling it Up"- use rhinestones, stickles, etc in your creation! There is a random prize of a $15 gift certificate offered up by Whimsy Stamps!

Tuesday, July 27, 2010

This is my first time participating in a Hero Arts Challenge. One part of the challenge consisted of creating ANY theme that features a Bookmaking technique. Ooh, right up my alley-I love making and repairing books and haven't had much opportunity since college. Since my supply of stamps is limited (to me anyway, my husband thinks otherwise) I turned to some oldie but goodie Hero Arts Digital Images Vintage Trio Of Women, Friendship Definition and Stitched Border files to create my front and back cover panels for a fresh, sassy and fun notebook for my friend's birthday. Here's what my digital file looks like from the three sets:

I added an acetate cover on my little book to keep the printed image from getting roughed up in her purse (I'm assuming it is like mine and is a bottomless pit) and the baker's twine is a sturdy addition for binding. Here's a bit of a tutorial-my first one so I know I have a lot to learn. Please click on the picture to make it a bit larger.

Just thought I'd share quick the other featured project on the SRM Stickers Blog on this post. I thought I'd have time to do a tutorial and such, but that just didn't happen (see those two boys in the picture-that's why). Pretty easy transformation though. The project started with a new acrylic frame at the local thrift store, quite ugly with the orange. After measuring the complete size, I cut a "frame" with my nesties from cardstock, distressed the edges with ink and adhered to the acrylic with some spray adhesive. I then added the SRM Sticker to the side, some baker's twine and a metal tag (with a SRM Sticker) for the final touch. The frame is up at work now, and now I realize how well it does fit my boys. Bright, somewhat dirty, and this picture is just them everyday. (Minus the times where they are bickering...)

Monday, July 26, 2010

I am quite honored to be SRM Sticker's July Guest Designer. They are featuring two of my projects, and if you'd like to mosey on over to the SRM Stickers Blog today to see the other, I'd be tickled. I'm hooked on these stickers. They are clear, fun, versatile and very easy to use. They are seamless as they blend into cardstock or over stamped images.

Sunday, July 25, 2010

This card took a life of its own. I do rather like it because it is like no other card I've ever made. It slowly morphed into reminding me of the days of Sacajawea-so I turned it into a Thanksgiving Thank You card. I also liked the fact that I tried out feathers, I've been wanting to for a while. Have you seen Windy Robinson's card here or many of Savannah's cards? No birds were harmed with the making of this card as I raided my husband's bait making/fly fishing corner of the garage. I invite you to please click on the picture for a larger view, the feathers and textures are absolutely beautiful, if I can say that.

To help me get to the final product, I used the lovely colors from the Play Date Cafe and the sketch (with rhinestones!) from Limelight Papercrafts. I'm also throwing my hat into the Moxie Fab World's Classy & Elegant Challenge with this card. The background was first embossed and then sanded for a nice soft feel, then cut apart, distressed and sewn back together. The edges were inked lightly to bring out the dots again.

Thursday, July 22, 2010

Love is in the air / Everywhere I look around / Love is in the air / Every sight and every sound
Hee, hee, I picture robots with this song. Why? It is featured in Wall-E, the Pixar movie from Disney, a movie my boys love to watch. Now, the robots never wore itsy bitsy bikinis or swim trunks, but the idea is the same, right?

Jenny at Wee Memories is having a Summer Fun Challenge, the starting basis for this card. I don't often send out summer cards (clarification: I don't often send out cards period), so I wanted to create one with dual meaning, perhaps an engagement, wedding shower or wedding? I paper-pieced some Lawn Fawn goodies and adhered them to a floss clothesline (the clothespins for the swimming trunks are the exclamation point from one sentiment if you are curious). The floss was really putzy and messy to glue down-the whole time I was thinking that I really need to purchase Barefoot Summer from Practicing Creativity Designs, where the clotheline and clothespins are stamps! There are a few things I would change if I made this card again, but overall, I think the idea is rather fun (its like one pattern from Cosmo Cricket's The Boyfriend Collection). I think I'll take another gander at the Moxie Fab World's Fun and Cute Challenge as well.

After close to twenty minutes of staring at a white card base, I remembered that I had won some wonderful blog candy from here, and I pulled out everything vintage-y that I had. Doing so, I found a pre-printed old world postcard with the pink hue that geared the color combo towards that of the latest Off the Wall Craftiness (oh gorgeousness!). I inked edges, stitched, distressed, added a doily, some hand-made pin embellishments and luscious satin ribbon. I think the card weighs close to a pound.

She'll do anything for anyone without batting an eye. She's fresh, funky and oh so fun! We are related so we can be honest and open with each other without the fear of hurt feelings. We share our stories of child rearing and offer support. In my boys eyes she is the best doctor around, even though there is no MD title attached. The best part of it all (other than the above, of course) is that she likes to stamp too! Her birthday's coming up soon and this card is the perfect fit.

This week's CAS-Tastic Challenge is to create clean and simple summer inspired design! There also is a random prize of a $10 voucher offered up by Tiddly Inks!

Tuesday, July 20, 2010

They both idolize their Papa, but a few times during the week their Mama piques their curiosity. It could be when she is making chocolate chip cookies, or trying to clean with all the fun tools... Their Mama will take the time when she gets it, knowing all too soon that they will begin to get stingy with their time, with their affection. I so much cherish the time with just me and my boys. I know it is not grammatically correct, but it just sounds funny to say My Boys and Me...

The Scrap Doctor referred me to a really fun challenge called From Screen to Scrap where you base your layout off of a featured movie poster. This month's was for Sherlock Holmes. I took inspiration from the general layout of the poster as well as the colors. I also added some metal sticker embelllishments, my title is in a block and there is a touch of teal! I've been meaning to make a card based off the poster too, but alas, I ran out of time!

Monday, July 19, 2010

It is so sad when I have to make sympathy cards, and yet I wonder why are they the most requested for purchase at my work?

This card uses the colors of the latest Curtain Call Color Challenge. I thought that the twine was a good twist for kraft, as a kraft base just felt a bit dark and heavy.

Speaking of Twists, Twisters, etc., we had a tornado touch down last Wednesday in our little ol' town here. One of the scariest things I've ever experienced. We were lucky to only have minimal damage, I find comfort in knowing that "someone" watched over us those few scary minutes.

Sunday, July 18, 2010

I'd like to consider myself a good pupil at this point in my life, one that still learns by visual aids the best. The stamping and crafty blogging world is full of visual aids. Cath from Moxie Fab World explains what a cute and fun card should consist of: "a happy color scheme (check) a sweet sentiment (check) and an uncomplicated design (check). Throw in some whimsy...a few simple shapes...some friendly patterns... (check, I think) and voila! There's a smile on your face (check) and a song in your heart (check) that's unmistakably fun and cute."

So here's my take on the Fun & Cute Card Style Challenge-it debuts my first go at Lawn Fawn's stamps (the best thank you gift from Erin!) that make this style so unbelievable easy. I was inspired to transform these stamps into a baby set from a card by Kelly Marie. ETA: I finally remembered where I saw the idea for the scalloped waves too, from Lynnette!

Saturday, July 17, 2010

"Polished. A shiny finish, sparkling embellishments, a rich color scheme, and sophisticated sentiment treatments... Regal, stunning, and dashing. [Clean] lines...monochromatic colors..." Do you think I accomplished the classy and elegant style as Cath from Moxie Fab World has described it? One style that I definitely like but rarely ever do!

I was inspired to make an acetate based card after seeing Jessica'shere, and this big bloom chrysanthemum image from Walzingmouse Stamps sure fits the bill for class and elegance. The flower is composed of one large bloom and two of the smaller blooms, with the closest layer trimmed down a bit. I curled the edges before adhering together with a rhinestone brad. The acetate base was wrapped in satin ribbon and wool mending thread, and then a faux bow adhered to represent leaves. The blossom then went on top off the ribbon treatment to hide the glue.The solid blue panel cardstock was stamped with the sentiment and attached to the inside of the back of the card.

Wednesday, July 14, 2010

I live in a town and work in a city that were both "built" on a marshes. You can go for a walk in any remotely, half country-esque area and you will find marshy things like cattails. You can walk in my balk yard and find cattails, if you don't want to travel that far. They are ever so pretty in real life...these tall simple plants waving in the wind or standing sturdy and proud.

Please join us at CAS-Tastic Wednesday Challenge by creating a S.I.M.P.L.E. card, using three of the elements listed above! There also is a random prize of One Stop Card Crafts £10.00 Voucher to one lucky participant.

Tuesday, July 13, 2010

The sun was just setting, giving each of the balloons a slight glow. Simultaneously the captains lit their fires, spots of intense orange and blue dotting the horizon under the colorful array of the fabrics. One by one they released their strings and up, up, up they went. Each and every hot air balloon, each and every spectator was there at the ralley for a purpose, to support the local children's hospital. What an amazing site.

The colors for the latest Off the Wall Craftiness are absolutely beautiful, right? Although I wanted to do something frilly and girly as the images in the inspiration refer too, I was in much need of some masculine cards for my grandma's gift. I used a sketch from challenge at Practicing Creativity Designs. The balloon has been covered in glossy accents for added interest and dimension.

A while back during the midst of the Papercraft's Gallery Idol Competition, I was given a blog award by the very talented Jess from Playing With Paper. Part of the award asks you to list 10 things about yourself (I'm sharing random crafty things), so here goes!1. I craft in a closet. A small closet.2. Ikea is my favorite place to shop for crafty goods, and inspiration. Good thing the closest location is 4 hours away.3. I love it when my boys want to stamp or scrapbook with me. I've learned, though, to have them wash their hands before starting.4.Bridge Mix is my scrapbooking indulgence. Especially bags with not many chocolate covered raisins.5.My boys find it entertaining to pick up buttons, scraps etc. on the floor. I let them believe it's fun. 6. Staying up way too late doing crafty things isn't the best habit to acquire, even though I enjoy it.7. Baker's twine is the best string, and not just because of the name.8. Rarely do I send out cards that I make...trying to figure out why that is.9. I read your posts, and like it when they make me chuckle, think or offer great advice.10. Almost every one of my cards have a story behind them, really.The second part of the award asks you to pass it on to ten people. I'm going to break the rules (sorry Jess!) as I can't list just ten people, so anyone that wants to play, let me know-I'd love to read ten things about you (great movie by the way!)

Monday, July 12, 2010

When I look back through my scrapbooks I recognize my "style" even in those pages from way back when. I've changed some and so have my finished projects, but my go-to clean and graphic look is still there.

The layout featured in Moxie Fab World'sFinding Inspiration in a Layout Challenge was too pretty to pass up. I refined and simplified my card a bit from the layout to suite my style. I drew inspiration from the colors, the treatment of patterned paper, the pins, cropped circles and black journaling. This was fun, I think I'll go back to my own layouts to draw inspiration for future cards.

Sunday, July 11, 2010

She's a wonderful woman, always seeing the good in people and taking time to notice the little things in life. She's conquered most obstacles that presented along the way, making her wise and beautiful. She drinks her coffee and watches the birds from her patio every morning. Perhaps I should do this as well, it seems to be the trigger to living each day in the moment and having a happy life like hers.

I'm on a quest to make some flat and easily mailed cards to give to my grandma for her 82nd birthday, the woman referenced above, who still believes in the power of a handwritten note. My card draws inspiration from the line of yellow coffee mugs at Octavia & Brown's shop for the Etsy Inspired Challenge and uses the layout from the sketch at Limelight Papercrafts (plus background stamping). The birds were stamped in chalk ink and given a bit of dimension with colored pencils. Love them, aren't they cute?

Saturday, July 10, 2010

The tiny restaurant is older than I and not much has changed in the past thirty years. There is no need to change when you offer the likes of homemade chili, tuna verns and rhubarb pie. Pots of flowers greet you at the door (during summer months) and country decor resides inside. There are about fifteen tables at The Kitchen Table and there usually is a wait to be seated. Often times you take the only place available, sharing a table with friendly strangers. The waitress stops by to drop off menus, but you don't need one, you already know what you want to order. The Kitchen Table will forever be my favorite restaurant, do you have a favorite nostalgic eatery?

Friday, July 9, 2010

There's no real story behind this card other than I smiled a lot making it, thinking of the times when we brought our boys home from the hospital. And if you haven't had any babies, why, what's there not to smile about when polka dots, happy, bright colors and clouds are involved?

For Practicing Creativity Design'slatest release, the team issued a couple of sketch challenges for a chance to win a really big prize from PCD. Not only is the prize very nice, but the sketches are really easy to use and very versatile. My own challenge was to create a baby card (per the request of a co-worker, love it when they ask me to make them one!) and I figured that a banner floating in the sky to welcome a little one would be fun to make. The pennants are covered with glossy accents and allowed to dry before cutting. I also overstamped the clouds and highlighted a few for dimension in the background-can you see it?) One of the challenges over at 365 Cards is to use banners-I love banners!

Thursday, July 8, 2010

There's a little bit of wisdom shed by Grandpa in my favorite book, Where the Red Fern Grows, by Wilson Rawls, regarding aluminum foil. He says that raccoons adore anything shiny, that they'll lock their little paws around the item and never let it go. Shiny things are irresistible to me as well and I seem to keep them for a while...I sure like the way my wedding diamond still sparkles in the light...

Everything but the Kitchen Sink has an awesome Around the House Challenge to use Aluminum Foil. While searching for ideas on Google (literally typed in "shiny things") I came across an image of a tool chest. It then popped into my head to use the bolt stamp image which is a perfect go-to stamp for masculine cards. After stamping the image with permanent ink on the foil, I highlighted some of the threads with a white gel pen, cut them out and adhered two direct to the card base and the third to a scratch piece of cardstock which was then adhered with foam adhesive for dimension. Foil offers a different look to a card, but wow, is it ever difficult to photograph!

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Feel free to use the images contained in my blog for inspiration but kindly do not use them for your profit, contest submissions or publications. Some links to products are affiliate links, I do receive a small commission for these if purchase are made using the link, which I put back into making projects for this blog.